Ludhiana, May 21 -- As an intense heatwave continues to sweep across Punjab, pushing daytime temperatures sharply upward, the health department on Wednesday issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid venturing outdoors during peak afternoon hours and remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses.

With several parts of the state under yellow alert for heatwave conditions, Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur advised people to avoid exposure to direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 pm, warning that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heat stroke. The advisory assumes greater significance for vulnerable sections, including elderly persons above 60 years of age, young childr...